NSITF, Gambia Forge Partnership to Deepen Workers’ Compensation

"This engagement is not merely procedural; it is a solemn occasion of historic significance. It provides a noble platform through which both institutions may exchange knowledge, compare experiences, and glean invaluable insights that will enrich our shared mission of delivering social security benefits to our citizens." Faleye 

Nigeria and The Gambia have strengthened ties in social security administration as the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) commenced a week-long study tour for the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund of The Gambia's Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), aimed at enhancing workers' compensation and institutional capacity.

Declaring the programme open in Abuja on Monday, NSITF Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, described the engagement as a landmark initiative to deepen collaboration and share best practices in the administration of the Employees' Compensation Scheme (ECS).

Represented by the Executive Director, Administration, Barr. Samaila Abdu, Faleye said the visit was designed to enable the Gambian delegation undertake a comprehensive study of Nigeria's Employees' Compensation Scheme while strengthening institutional ties between both organisations.

"This engagement is not merely procedural; it is a solemn occasion of historic significance. It provides a noble platform through which both institutions may exchange knowledge, compare experiences, and glean invaluable insights that will enrich our shared mission of delivering social security benefits to our citizens," he said.

Faleye added that NSITF highly values its partnership with SSHFC and expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the exercise would advance the objectives of both institutions and improve social protection for citizens of Nigeria and The Gambia.

The study tour will feature technical sessions, facility visits and discussions on policy, administration and service delivery under the Employees' Compensation Scheme, which NSITF administers to provide compensation for work-related injuries, occupational diseases and death, while promoting workplace safety and health.

Earlier, Executive Director, Finance and Investment, Olufemi Ayodele Samuel, said the programme was designed to strengthen cross-border cooperation and strategic collaboration in industrial injuries compensation.

"We are here to flag off a highly anticipated capacity-building and study visit. This engagement is designed to foster cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration in the critical areas of industrial injuries compensation and social security administration," he said.

Samuel expressed optimism that the visit would provide practical insights into workplace accident prevention, disability benefits, survivors' compensation and effective management of social protection funds.

"We hope this study tour will not only provide valuable insights into our operational procedures and claims tracking, but will also serve as a foundation for a lasting, mutually beneficial partnership," he added.

Also speaking, NSITF Executive Director (Operations), Barr. Mojisola Alli Macaulay, assured the delegation of a comprehensive exposure to the Fund's operations, describing NSITF as the benchmark for social security administration in Africa.

Responding on behalf of the visitors, Chairman of the SSHFC Board and Permanent Secretary in The Gambia's Ministry of Trade and Employment, Lamine Camara, said the delegation came to Nigeria to learn from NSITF's experience and strengthen collaboration.

"It's a way to sustain collaboration with sister organizations. We are here to learn from such engagement. We are motivated, and would be glad to share all the experiences we learn here back home," Camara said.

The SSHFC is The Gambia's statutory agency responsible for social security, housing finance and the administration of industrial injuries compensation.

More pictures from the event